Law Commons^™

Provisional Measures In The Inter-American Human Rights System: An Innovative Development In International Law, Jo M. Pasqualucci

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

In this Article, Professor Pasqualucci examines the developing jurisprudence of provisional measures in the Inter-American human rights system. Through the adoption of provisional measures, a human rights court may order a state to protect persons who are in danger of imminent death or torture. The author first provides an overview of the Inter-American system of human rights. She then describes the historical background of the jurisprudence of provisional measures in the International Court of Justice and the European human rights system, which served as models for provisional measures in the developing Inter-American system. Finally, she analyzes the use of provisional …

Izvestiia As A Mirror Of Russian Legal Reform, Frances H. Foster

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

In this Article, Professor Foster explores the breakdown of legal authority in post-Soviet Russia by examining the experience of the Russian newspaper Izvestiia. The author recounts the power struggles between the Russian president and the parliament, each seeking to exercise sole control over the destiny of Izvestiia and of post-Soviet Russia. Professor Foster argues that Izvestiia's battle for survival is merely symptomatic of the overall structural, procedural, and attitudinal obstacles to Russian legal reform in the post-Soviet era. The author concludes that the key to successful establishment of a stable, democratic, law-based state is a fundamental reconstitution of Russian legal …

Due Process Rights Of Parents And Children In International Child Abductions, Dorothy C. Daigle

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

Rising divorce rates in recent years have led to increasingly frequent abductions of children by one parent away from the other parent. Often, abducting parents move the children to different jurisdictions in which the parents believe they can obtain a more favorable decision on custody. To remedy this problem, twenty-nine nations joined in 1980 to adopt the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. This Convention mandates the immediate return, upon request, of the abducted child to the state of habitual residence of the child. The Convention includes several limited exceptions to this mandate, applicable at the …

Trade, Intellectual Property, And The Development Of Central And Eastern Europe: Filling The Gatt Gap, Anne D. Waters

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

A major obstacle encountered by the formerly Communist states of Central and Eastern Europe as they convert to market economies is the lack of necessary capital. To raise that capital, these states are largely dependent on foreign investors. Inadequate protection of intellectual property in the formerly Communist states, however, may deter foreign investment. This Note examines Central and Eastern Europe's need for capital and the effect that the quality of intellectual property protection may have on its ability to obtain capital. The Author concludes that, in order for the new economies to survive, not only must the states of Central …

The Commercial Real Estate Laws Of The People's Republic Of China And Shenzhen: An Overview, David S. Kerzner

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

This Article surveys the changes in real estate laws that have occurred in China since 1980. It provides a comprehensive and specific overview of the foreign investment process, which should prove particularly useful to United States investors. The Article first provides general background on the evolution of Chinese real estate law, focusing on the granting and subsequent alienation of land use rights, as well as the recent development in the area of large parcels of land. The Article then examines the current state of real estate law in Guangdong Province, specifically in Shenzhen, and explains details such as transfer and …

Protection, Not Protectionism: Multilateral Environmental Agreements And The Gatt, Betsy Baker

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

In this Article, Dean Baker examines the compatibility of multilateral environmental agreements with the provisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The author discusses the key provisions of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Waste, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the GATT. The author then reviews the conflict between unilateral environmental protection and open and free trade under the GATT. The author concludes the collective interests represented by international environmental agreements, and the agreements themselves, should provide a …

Case Digest, Journal Staff

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

This Case Digest provides brief analyses of cases that represent cur-rent aspects of transnational law. The Digest includes cases that establish legal principles and cases that apply established legal principles to new factual situations. The cases are grouped in topical categories and references are given for further research.

Deportation And Transfer Of Civilians In Time Of War, Jean-Marie Henckaerts

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

In this Article, the Author discusses the international law prohibiting the deportation and transfer of civilians during times of war. The Author first focuses on Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, describing its genesis and its character as customary international law. The Author examines several specific instances of illegal deportations in Kuwait, the former Yugoslavia, and the Israeli-occupied territories, and discusses the application of Geneva IV to these situations. He concludes that more should be done to enforce international law prohibiting the transfer of civilians during times of war and to punish states for engaging in massive deportation.

The Environmental Laws And Policies Of Taiwan: A Comparative Law Perspective, Dennis T. Tang

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

This Article discusses the development of environmental regulation and preservation in Taiwan in light of United States environmental law. The Article begins with a discussion of how few measures have been enacted to protect the Taiwanese environment. It then illuminates some of the problems with the Taiwanese environmental regulations that do exist. According to the author, some of these problems include: ambiguous and conflicting goals enunciated in the legislation; political pressures on the authorities influencing environmental policies; poor enforcement mechanisms; a legislative bias in favor of regulating new sources of pollution and against enforcing regulations in the case of old …

Preventing The Theft And Illegal Export Of Art In A Europe Without Borders, Kimberly A. Short

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

The opening of internal borders within the European Community presents tremendous opportunity for European economic growth. Yet with all the potential benefits come many problems. Increased illegal art trafficking is one of these problems. This Note examines European treaties, laws of the individual EC Member States, and Community-wide treaties and regulations designed to prevent the theft and illegal export of art. The Note discusses how the differing interests of the Member States have prevented agreement on legislation to protect art and resulted in measures inadequate to protect Europe's vast art treasures. After analyzing the latest EC regulatory attempt to protect …

French & Sec Securities Regulation: The Search For Transparency And Openness In Decisionmaking, Keith D. Nunes, Louis Vogel, Chris X. Linn, Peter C. Kostant

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

In this Article, the authors retrace the history and development of France's securities markets. The authors find that the French markets have become dynamic and diverse in the wake of their modernization. In contrast to the passivity of the United States regulatory regime, the authors demonstrate that the role of French regulators is more aggressive and intrusive. The authors also note that, through directives seeking to coordinate the policies of member states, the European Economic Community serves as the world's leading securities regulator. The authors conclude that French securities laws have been successful in improving disclosure and market efficiency. But …

The Legal Framework For Private Sector Activity In The Czech Republic, Cheryl W. Gray

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

In this Article, Dr. Gray discusses the evolving legal framework in the Czech Republic as the government there moves from a socialist to a private market economy. The author traces the major legal developments, including the Republic's establishment of significant private property rights and of a modern commercial code. The author finds that the Republic has made significant strides in developing a private market economy and in facilitating foreign investment. Dr. Gray concludes, however, that the new laws face significant challenges, including a weak and immature judicial system and problems with addressing business failures.

Command Of Sovereignty Gives Way To Concern For Humanity, Christine Ellerman

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

This Note examines the legality of humanitarian intervention by tracing the historical justifications for nonintervention through modern interpretations of the U.N. Charter. Events leading to the change in the U.N. stance on humanitarian intervention are discussed. The Note also sets out criteria for justifiable intervention. The Note concludes that intervention can be justified to the extent that it is carried out for humanitarian purposes.

Legal Education In Germany And The United States--A Structural Comparison, Juergen R. Ostertag

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

In this Article, Mr. Ostertag compares German and United States legal education. He believes that the differences in the two educational systems result from such factors as the separate development of the respective educational programs, the different training goals each system has for law students, and the relative significance of code law instruction and case method instruction. The author perceives a dichotomy between legal theory and practice, and he believes that law schools could bridge this gap through a comprehensive internship program that would expose students to all aspects of legal practice.

Case Digest, Law Review Staff

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

This CASE DIGEST provides brief analyses of cases that represent current aspects of transnational law. The Digest includes cases that establish legal principles and cases that apply established legal principles to new factual situations. The cases are grouped in topical categories and references are given for further research.

International Agreement Obligations After The Soviet Union's Break-Up, Lucinda Love

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

Focusing on the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the author explores whether international law is consistent with respect to the succession of states to treaty obligations. This Note examines whether the republics of the former Soviet Union are held bound by treaties made by the U.S.S.R.

The Note discusses whether the current practice of the United States regarding treaties with the former Soviet Union is consistent with international law. The author concludes that international law in this area is not well settled. The United States treatment of the former Soviet republics is consistent with some sources of law, but not …

Implications Of The Single European Act On European Community Law-Making: A Modest Step Forward, Barbara C. Potter

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

In this Article, Ms. Campbell Potter discusses the interaction of the European Community (EC) institutions and the effect the Single European Act (SEA) will have on EC law-making. Specifically, the author notes that the SEA provisions for expanded use of the qualified majority vote and the new cooperation procedure for passage of legislation have changed the balance of power among EC institutions and should facilitate enactment of EC legislation. Ms. Campbell Potter believes that the SEA will continue to be successful as long as Member States do not recklessly invoke "vital national interest" veto powers and as long as the …

The Resurgence Of The International Will: A Call For Federal Legislation, David Quam

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

Recent Development--

In August 1991, eighteen years after diplomats and scholars completed the Convention Providing a Uniform Law on the Form of an International Will (Washington Convention), the United States Senate consented to ratification. Before the Washington Convention enters into force, however, the United States Congress must enact federal legislation that requires each of the fifty states to recognize the Convention and its prescribed form of an international will.

The Washington Convention is the result of the Diplomatic Conference on Wills which convened in Washington, D.C., in October 1973. Its primary objective is to provide testators with a common means …

Procedure As A Guarantee Of Democracy: The Legacy Of The Perestroika Parliament, Frances H. Foster

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

In this Article, the author chronicles the rise and fall of the "perestroika parliament." While Gorbachev's reforms were ultimately unsuccessful in producing effective democratic representation, the author believes that the history of these reforms provides some valuable lessons for post-Soviet Russia. Specifically, Professor Foster concludes that current reformers in Russia should learn from the failed perestroika parliament that a democratic, "rule-of-law" state requires uniform lawmaking procedures with constitutional safeguards to guarantee their integrity.

Books Received, Law Review Staff

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

Extraterritorial Employment Standards of the United States: The Regulation of the Overseas Workplace

By James Michael Zimmerman

New York, New York: Quorum Books, 1992. Pp.206.

===================

Fact-Finding before International Tribunals

Edited by Richard B. Lillich

Irvington-on-Hudson, New York: Transnational Publishers Inc., 1992, Pp. 338.

===================

International Human Rights Law in the Commonwealth Caribbean

Edited by Angela D. Byre and Bevereley Y. Byfield

Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, 1991. Pp. 398.

In The Wrong Place, At The Wrong Time: Problems With The Inter-American Court Of Human Rights Use Of Contentious Jurisdiction, Michael J. Corbera

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

The Inter-American region has a history of widespread human rights abuse. To combat this problem the Organization of American States has developed a regional system for the protection of human rights. The system's adjudicatory body is the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (the Court). In recent years the Court has expanded its power through its exercise of contentious jurisdiction. Certain factors, however, that are unique to the Inter-American region weigh against the Court's use of contentious jurisdiction.

Tracing the development of the Inter-American human rights system in general and the Court in particular, this Note evaluates the Court's powers and …

Customary Practice And The People's Voice: Separation Of Powers And Foreign Affairs, Harold G. Maier

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

CONSTITUTIONALISM, DEMOCRACY, AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS

By Louis Henkin

New York: Columbia University Press, 1990. Pp. viii, 125

This short book brings to bear Professor Henkin's vast experience as a teacher and scholar in United States foreign relations law on a contemporary examination of constitutional separation of powers principles in determining the appropriate roles of the three federal governmental branches in the conduct of foreign affairs. In this context, the author asks, "Is our two-hundred year old constitution satisfactory for its third century?" After an excursion through the principal issues most germane to an answer, he concludes that "there is no …

Common Misconceptions: The Function And Framework Of "Trade Or Business Within The United States", Nancy H. Kaufman

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

In this Article, Professor Kaufman examines the administrative and jurisdictional functions of the Internal Revenue Code's term "trade or business within the United States" in the taxation of foreign persons' income and the existing framework established for the term's interpretation. The author contends that the courts, by relying on two common misconceptions of the term, have made the term's application unpredictable. The author further believes that defining the term according to its functions would serve United States tax policy and economic interests. This definition would focus primarily on facts indicating an ongoing commitment to participation the United States economy. The …

The Movement Toward Statute-Based Conspiracy Law In The United Kingdom And The United States, Kenneth A. David

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

A single criminal charge of conspiracy, because it simultaneously involves an inchoate as well as a substantive offense, is characterized by a duality that for years has created confusion and uncertainty as to the proper prosecution and punishment for the crime. The author of this Note places responsibility for this confusion primarily on the judges whose rulings have produced a highly incoherent body of common law and secondarily on the complacent legislatures that have allowed judicial interpretation to shape conspiracy law in a haphazard manner.

The Note compares the approaches to conspiracy law taken by the United Kingdom and the …

Navigating The Minefields Of Russian Joint Venture Law And Tax Regulations: A Procedural Compass, Christopher Osakwe

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

In this Article, Professor Osakwe explores the precarious field of Russian joint venture law and tax regulation. The author gives detailed accounts of the major laws, discusses their evolution, and projects their future course. Additionally, the author notes the continuing influence of USSR law on current Russian joint venture practice. Throughout his analysis, the author provides specific and pragmatic advice for businesses and entrepreneurs considering joint ventures in Russia.

J.L. Brierly And The Modernization Of International Law, Carl Landauer

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

In this Article, the author provides an analysis of a classic of international law, The Law of Nations, by J.L. Brierly. The author describes Brierly as an international legal scholar whose modernization of international law involves an emphasis on fact and complexity, an emphasis that is ultimately little more than a gesture. The author then examines the narrative structure of The Law of Nations and indicates the normative messages disclosed in Brierly's telling of the story of international law. Finally, the author describes Brierly's effort to describe international law as occupying a political realm while Brierly's evolutionary optimism made him …

Tobacco Proves Addictive: The European Community's Stalled Proposal To Ban Tobacco Advertising, Jennifer A. Lesny

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

This Note examines the recent initiative to ban tobacco advertising within the European Community. The Note first addresses the European Commission's proposed directive, exploring the Commission's stated justifications as well as the opposing member states' procedural and legal objections. This Note then analyzes the European Community debate by comparing it to the United States movement to ban tobacco advertising. The author concludes that, like its United States counterpart, the European proposal is ill-fated, and that failure to reach a consensus on controversial proposals such as the tobacco advertising ban seriously undermines completion of a true internal market envisioned in the …

Preserving The Third Temple: Israel's Right Of Anticipatory Self-Defense Under International Law, Louis R. Beres

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

In this Article, Professor Beres discusses certain political tensions in the Middle East and the appropriateness of preemptive military action by Israel. He concludes that the ongoing hostilities and threatening overtures by Israel's enemies could give Israel sufficient basis pursuant to international law to conduct preemptive strikes. Upon reaching this conclusion, Professor Beres considers the level of force Israel should employ in various preemptive or counter retaliation scenarios. While the degree of preemption is debatable, the author believes that the preservation of Israel may require some preemptive action in the near future.

The Nonproliferation Treaty And The "New World Order", Bryan L. Sutter

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT or Treaty) faces either extinction or extension in 1995, when the NPT signatories will meet to decide its fate. Given the rapid changes in today's nuclear technology and political environment, many states have expressed reservations about extending the Treaty. This Note considers the implications of those reservations as well as arguments favoring extension. This Note reviews the birth of the atomic age and the terms of the NPT and examines the Treaty's strengths and weaknesses. The author concludes that the Treaty should remain in force and suggests strategies for maintaining the …